Suburban stainless steel train (RIB 76) Jouef

Another approximation: this train is presented as being in original livery, but this is not true. The orange cab banner and the “Corail” style class numbers are not original. See this photo (photo © Phil Trotter 1985): the SNCF banner and class figures are in gold metal. Although this is an RIO, not an RIB, the decoration is the same.

Progress compared to the 2008 version: the red lights are functional, and there is an elongating drawbar at each end of the train, but still not between the coaches. A few parts have been inserted: reversibility cables, coupling and brake couplings on the buffer beam, handles on the front of the cab.

The wheels are still too small in diameter (8.2), but now have thinner 0.9 mm flanges. The axles, 23.5 mm long, have too much clearance; 24.3 mm axles would be much better.

The interior fittings have not changed either, they are still one-piece, and are no longer painted but stained in the mass. These fittings are no longer up to today’s standards of finesse. The same goes for the glazing, which is still not very transparent, too thick and not flush enough.

There is one regrettable decline compared to the previous version: the roofs of the end coaches, which were different, are now identical. This means that the pilot coach has two vents useless on top of a normal compartment, whereas they are justified on top of the ZRABDz service compartment where a converter is located.

Finally, personally, I would have preferred the actual original decoration.

For the few improvements over the older versions, and in comparison with other current productions, these coaches are sold at too high a price.

See the Loco-Revue Forum.